LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) — President Donald Trump is hitting back at U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin over remarks critics say were intended to discourage young conservatives from working for his administration.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Oct. 19, Trump said, “Slotkin is a lowlife who’s ruining her state, just destroying her state.” He accused Democrats of weaponizing government and discouraging people from entering politics. He also argued that such tactics were why Democrats were losing politically.

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Slotkin made the remarks Oct. 13 at the University of Chicago. While discussing cases against people she said enabled Trump, she said she wanted young people considering administration jobs to weigh the potential consequences.

“I want that deterrence message sent,” she said. Critics characterized her comments as a threat against young conservatives considering public service.

Slotkin has since defended her comments on social media, accusing Republicans of misrepresenting her remarks. She also pointed to efforts to investigate and indict her over a video last year telling military personnel they could refuse illegal orders.

The exchange comes ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm elections.